Frequently Asked Questions
How do I surrender a rabbit?
We have a waiting list for surrenders and a $25 per rabbit fee to help defray our costs. If the rabbit has been spayed, proof must be provided.
Please fill out the online inquiry form to provide your contact information and the rabbit’s information.
Priority is given to rabbits from our region (Maryland’s eastern shore).
We have two forms to be turned in at the time of surrender:
You can also utilize the free rehoming site on Home To Home. The site is free, but requires that an account be set up in order to post your pet and to receive inquiries from interested adopters. As a condition for using this site, you must agree not to charge any adoption fee. You are also responsible for screening potential adopters.
To be listed on Home To Home, create a profile for your rabbit (with multiple photos and a good description). Once your rabbit is approved to be listed on the Home To Home platform, interested adopters can search for rabbits that are within range of their zip code. You can also contact us to request promoting your listing on our social media. We believe that this platform will help reach people in the region who could give your rabbit a loving home. Any interested adopter can message you through the website. You can screen the adopters yourself and find a suitable family that you feel most comfortable with.
I found a stray domesticated rabbit. Can I bring it to you?
Please contact us at info@esrrec.org to make sure we have space. If you need our help catching it, the rabbit must be in our region.
I found an injured cottontail bunny (and/or a baby without its mother). Can you help me?
We cannot accept wild rabbits. We are not licensed to rehab injured wildlife. If you have an injured wild rabbit, we recommend that you contact Department of Natural Resources or find your local licensed rehabilitor on the Maryland Wildlife Rehabilitors Association website. We cannot provide any advice about wild rabbits. Please contact us at info@esrrec.org if your issue is after business hours and we will try to point you in the direction of a licensed wildlife rehabilitator. You can also call our answering service at 410-639-7535 extension 3.
Do county animal shelters take pet rabbits?
Most in our region will take pet rabbits. We sometimes transfer rabbits from them. Below are the websites and contact info.
- Queen Anne’s County Animal Care Services phone: 410-827-7178
- Caroline Humane Society phone: 410-820-1600
- Cecil County Animal Services phone: 410-441-2040
- Animal Care Shelter of Kent County phone: 410-778-3648
- Talbot Humane phone: 410-822-0107
- Wicomico Humane phone: 410-749-7603
Do you have a spay/neuter program?
ESRREC recognizes that an affordable spay/neuter for rabbits on the eastern shore is difficult to find. Some “exotics” veterinarians are qualified to spay/neuter rabbits. However the cost may be prohibitive. Therefore in May 2023, we launched a pilot program to transport rabbits to the Animal Birth Control clinic across the Chesapeake Bay Bridge. Please refer to our Spay/Neuter Program web page for details.
The following clinics/programs also provide affordable spay and/or neuter services for pet rabbits.
- Animal Birth Control, Millersville, MD (spay and neuter) – open Mondays and Thursdays only
- Bowie Spay and Neuter in Bowie, MD
- SpaySpa by Rude Ranch Animal Rescue in Davidsonville, MD
- Spay Today a program for Virginia residents. Surgery provided at Blue Ridge Veterinary Associates in Purcellville, VA.
How do I adopt a rabbit?
Please refer to our Adoption FAQs. This includes information about adopting a friend for your rabbit (bonding).
What is your adoption fee?
Single rabbit $75
Bonded Pair $100
Bonded Trio $125
Special Needs Rabbit : senior 8 years or older or medical condition – fee is waived
For adoption fees we can accept credit, cash or check (made out to “ESRREC”).
What rabbits are available for adoption?
Our Adoption Page includes rabbits posted on PetFinder. You can visit most of them at our shelter in Rock Hall, but some are in foster care. With advance notice, we can bring the fostered rabbits for an adoption meeting at the shelter.
Do you provide vacation boarding?
We must be notified two weeks in advance (info@esrrec.org) to ensure we have space available at one of our foster homes. Our fee is $20/night plus $5 if medicines are administered.
Do you clip rabbit nails?
Please contact us at info@esrrec.org to set up an appointment with one of our volunteers. We gratefully accept a donation of $10 per rabbit.
How can I sign up to volunteer?
Please fill out the online form and you will be contacted. Descriptions of various volunteer roles are here.
How do I foster a rabbit?
Please fill out our online foster application to express interest in fostering. We will cover medical costs, and provide supplies as needed, but we require that foster families sign a foster contract. Foster families who want to adopt must also complete the adoption procedures including the application.